|Also called Paradise Seeds or Grains of Paradise. Native to west Africa. Pepper zing with citrus notes, pine aroma. Often a better choice than peppercorns to add a "peppery" flavor to beer.

|Also called Paradise Seeds or Grains of Paradise. Native to west Africa. Pepper zing with citrus notes, pine aroma. Often a better choice than peppercorns to add a "peppery" flavor to beer.

|Add to last five minutes of the boil.

|Add to last five minutes of the boil.

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|Sam Adams Summer Ale

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Latest revision as of 23:25, 27 May 2009

Herbs and spices are the common names for any of a group of flavorful, aromatic plant products that have been commonly used in cooking, and in some cases in beer, wine, mead, and cider making, for centuries. While they are most commonly seen in meads, where an herb or spice beer is known as a metheglin, spices are also used in some cider and some traditional beer styles such as Witbier.

Wines and ciders are not traditionally seasoned with herbs or spices, although both can be traditionally served with spices. However, some home wine and cider makers, and some commercial wineries and cider makers, now do make wine and cider fermented with herbs and spices.

The chart below lists some herbs and spices which can be used in making fermented beverages, including their traditional uses, their flavor characteristics, and where possible suggested amounts. All quantities assume a standard five gallon batch as well as freshly ground or grated spices and fresh herbs unless otherwise stated.

Used to add cinnamon flavor to holiday beers. Goes well with ginger, honey and orange flavors. Most "cinnamon" sold in the U.S. is actually cassia; cassia flavor often works as well in holiday spice blends as the more subtle (and expensive) "true" cinnamon available in some specialty stores.

For beer, one ounce or more near the end of the boil. Avoid dry powdered ginger; thinly sliced is easier to handle but fresh grated will impart the most flavor. As little as 1/2 ounce per 5 gallons is noticable, but up to 4 oz can be used for a strong ginger flavor.

Bar Harbor Brewery Ginger Mild

Grains of Paradise

Also called Paradise Seeds or Grains of Paradise. Native to west Africa. Pepper zing with citrus notes, pine aroma. Often a better choice than peppercorns to add a "peppery" flavor to beer.

Add to last five minutes of the boil.

Sam Adams Summer Ale

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Traditional mead herb.

For beer, a half ounce fresh or dried late in the boil or in secondary.